The Social Security Administration has officially announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026.That means beginning in January 2026, Social Security recipients will see a modest increase in their monthly benefits to help offset inflation. For most retirees, this translates to about $56 more per month on average. It’s not a life-changing boost, but it’s … Read more
Every year, the Social Security and Medicare Trustees release their annual reports—and the 2025 update delivers a reality check for millions of Americans planning their retirement. According to the report, the Social Security trust funds are projected to run short by 2034, one year sooner than previously forecasted. At that point, incoming payroll taxes would … Read more
When most people think about Social Security, they picture a reliable monthly income stream that’s tax-free. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Depending on your other sources of income, up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. In this article, I’ll break down how Social Security taxes work, the thresholds you need … Read more
What’s Happening at the Fed — September 2, 2025 The Federal Reserve is approaching a pivotal moment: the September 16–17 FOMC meeting. All eyes are on whether the Fed will implement its first rate cut since 2024. In the past three months, job growth has slowed sharply, averaging just 35,000 new positions—levels not seen since the … Read more
Why 2025 Is a Critical Year for Roth IRA Conversions When it comes to retirement planning, timing is everything. And for many retirees and pre-retirees, 2025 may be the most important year yet to consider a Roth IRA conversion. Here’s why: 👉 In short: If you’ve ever considered a Roth conversion, 2025 may be your … Read more
The headlines can feel overwhelming right now. That’s why I want to share some current economic insights—in plain English—about what’s really happening with growth, tariffs, housing, and the Federal Reserve. That’s why I want to break this down for you in plain English. We’ll look at: The Global Picture Think of the global economy like … Read more
On July 4th, 2025, a sweeping piece of legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law. At over 1,000 pages long, this bill touches taxes, healthcare, savings plans, small business provisions, and more. While the fine print is complicated, the bottom line is this: there are opportunities here for … Read more
For decades, the 4% rule has been the go-to retirement strategy: withdraw 4% of your portfolio each year, and your money should last 30 years. But is that still a safe assumption in today’s market? As an advisor who’s helped clients navigate retirement through rising interest rates, inflation spikes, and market downturns, I believe this … Read more
When it comes to retirement planning, many couples underestimate the power of a well-executed Social Security spousal benefits strategy. I’ve seen this single decision make a six-figure difference over a couple’s lifetime. If you’re married, divorced, or widowed, there are strategic ways to maximize your household Social Security income—and they’re often overlooked. What Are Social … Read more
Using tax-efficient withdrawal strategies in retirement isn’t just smart—it can dramatically increase how long your savings last. I’ve worked with many clients who had solid portfolios but lacked a plan for withdrawals, which cost them thousands in unnecessary taxes. Let’s walk through how you can avoid that. Understanding the Impact of Taxes in Retirement Taxes … Read more